The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems is honored to welcome George Siemon, an accomplished trailblazer in organic agriculture, to the Arizona Transition to Organic Partnership Program (AZ TOPP). George is providing technical assistance to five livestock producers across the state as they transition to organic practices and pursue USDA organic certification. With an influential career dedicated to advancing organic farming for both producers and consumers, his expertise is already proving to be invaluable in Arizona.
George was a Wisconsin dairy farmer when he witnessed firsthand the devastating farm crisis of the 1980s, a time of severe financial hardship that drove many farmers off their land. In response, he spearheaded the founding of Coulee Region Organic Produce Pool (CROPP) in 1988, a cooperative designed to support organic farmers and protect their livelihoods. Today, CROPP is the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the U.S., but it’s better known by its popular consumer brand: Organic Valley.
George and his fellow Organic Valley producers played a pivotal role in shaping the organic movement nationwide. They were strong advocates for the establishment of national standards for organic food in the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. This monumental legislation was authored by Kathleen Merrigan, now executive director of the Swette Center.
In April 2025, George traveled to Arizona to meet with the Swette Center team and three of the livestock producers he is guiding through the transition to organic. Alongside Kathleen Merrigan, he toured Windmill Mountain Ranch, Heartquist Hollow Family Farm (pictured), and Henry’s Egg Farm. At each stop, George got a full-picture understanding of the operation and offered tailored recommendations to support their path toward organic certification.
For example, at Heartquist Hollow Farm, he advised obtaining certification for the farm’s processing facility before certifying their livestock to ensure the animals will have an approved facility ready once certification is achieved. His practical guidance reflects the thoughtful, farmer-first approach that has defined his career.
Following these farm visits, George joined Swette Center staff and affiliated faculty at ASU for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of organic agriculture. Drawing on decades of experience, he reflected on the history of the organic movement and the work still ahead to strengthen organic opportunities for producers and consumers alike.
Despite living in Wisconsin, George continues to meet virtually with Arizona livestock producers, providing essential technical assistance as they take on the complex but rewarding journey toward USDA organic certification.
In recognition of his decades-long leadership in organic farming, George was recently honored with the 2024 Organic Lifetime Achievement Award by the Organic Trade Association. His impact on organic agriculture is profound, and we are excited to have him on board as our AZ TOPP team works to bolster organic farming in Arizona.
For more information about AZ TOPP, visit arizonatopp.org. TOPP is a nationwide program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).